This is their second modular base plate + L bracket combo after the introduction of the PCL-1DX Custom L Bracket for Canon, in their expanding line of Arca-Swiss® compatible Specific Quick Release Plates and L brackets.

The PS-N7 Plate

Manufacturer Specification:

Model:

PS-N7

Length:

82 mm

Width:

40 mm

Mounting size:

40x40 mm

Thickness:

39 mm

Mounting screw thread:

1/4"-20 UNC

Weight:

24 gr (inc screw)

Sunwayfoto PS-N7 Arca-Swiss® compatible specific quick release plate is 82 mm long occupying most of the Sony Nex-7 base. Two convex edges at the front act as stoppers and prevent the plate from twisting. Despite its deceptive large size, every effort has been made to eliminate excess weight bringing it down to a mere 24 gr. including the steel screw. Which is about 35-40% less than a common Arca-Swiss compatible camera plate.

Both the top and bottom photos above reveal the deep CNC curving on all surfaces, for weight elimination, the centrally located 1/4"-20 captive mounting screw and an extra 1/4"-20 threaded hole for monopod mounting without having to remove the QR plate.

The dovetail base is 39 x 39 mm square permitting the bidirectional mounting of the camera on an Arca-Swiss® compatible Quick Release Clamp.

Mounting the plate on the Camera

As we can see in the illustration above, the base plate occupies all the width under the LCD screen ...

...Starting from the left edge and stopping just before the battery door hing enabling the unobstructed exchange of batteries. As we shall see later, the width and edge placement is justified by the L bracket option.

The PS-7N convex edges sit against the front panel of the camera, leaving the back free for once more unobstructed raise and tilt of the LCD screen

As seen quite clearly in the photo above with NEX-7 equipped with PS-N7 and clamped on Sunwayfotto FB-44 ball head.

The PSL-N7 L Bracket

Manufacturer Specification:

Model:

PSL-N7

Length:

82 mm

Width:

40 mm

Mounting size:

39x39 mm

Total Height:

54.5 mm

Mounting screw thread:

1/4"-20 UNC

Weight:

32 gr

As mentioned in the beginning the addition of the PS-N7L vertical L side via two small M3 hex socket screws on the left edge of the PS-N7 base plate, gives the modular Sunwayfoto PSL-N7 specific L Bracket. The L side adds only a few grams raising the total weight to an unbelievably low number for an L bracket of 32 gr. !

A closer view of the very slim PS-N7L side L plate reveals the small captive mounting holes for the M3 screws that reside in a slightly off-center extension at the bottom.

The L side can be easily mounted by the user with the included Allen hex key. It may be dismounted at will not so much for saving weight but for camera handling convenience. Or should I say nose convenience, as the NEX-7 viewfinder eye piece is just on the top left corner (see photos below).

Another remarkable attribute of the L side plate is its thickness. Just thick enough for the formation of the dovetail, once again eliminating any excess weight possible.

The PS-N7L off-center mounting extension matches and aligns perfectly with the PS-N7 base plate dovetail. Meaning that at either landscape (horizontal) or portrait (vertical) position the camera will maintain the same distance from the subject.

Mounting the Bracket on the Camera

The PS-N7L side reaches the same height as the LCD screen, a bit lower than the strap hook. While the opening permits full access to the camera side connectors.

The PSL-N7 fits nicely and embraces the Sony NEX-7 body adding a minimal extra to the camera dimensions and weight.